Store Procedure when Pets are reported in cars

To All Store Personnel:

Procedure when pet left in a vehicle

According to Minnesota Law (346.57) “A person may not leave a dog or a cat unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the dog’s or cat’s health or safety.”

On a hot summer day the inside of a car heats up very quickly.  On an 85o F. day the temp. in the car - with the windows slightly open - will reach 102o F. in 10 minutes even in the shade.  In 20 minutes it will go up to 120o F.  A cat/dog’s normal body temp. is about 102o F.  Their body can withstand a temp. of 108o F. for a short time (a Very Few Minutes) before suffering irreversible brain damage or even death.

Unfortunately, this situation does happen and in hot weather it can be tragic.  In situations like this, it is urgent that the response is immediate.  Please post the following procedure when an animal is seen or reported in a vehicle.

1.  Page owners Immediately.

2.  If no Immediate Response, contact the Law Enforcement Center.  Ask them to dispatch a law enforcement person to the scene.  The law does allow for the removal of the animal by law enforcement, humane agent, animal control or member of fire and/or rescue department.

Your assistance and help in these matters is greatly appreciated. 

                Shirley Taggart - Animal Welfare Advocate